JP2000152095A - Image pickup device and image pickup system using the pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device which can be applied to various uses by using a control means to independently control a reset means or/and a reading means which are provided for every pixel. SOLUTION: A control means controls independently a reset means or/and a reading means which are provided for every pixel. A cell amplifier 71 converts the optical charge generated by a photodiode 70 into voltage and also reads the signal voltage out of a specific cell of a matrix structure. A cell is specified on a matrix by a row selection signal that is supplied to a horizontal address line 75 from a vertical drive part 72 and a column selection signal that is supplied to a horizontal output selection transistor 77 from a horizontal drive part 73. Then a single pixel is formed by the photodiode 70 and the amplifier 71, and plural signal lines 76(1-1), 76(1-2) and 76(1-3) are prepared to reset the optical charge.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus for processing an image and an image pickup system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of imaging devices, an amplification type imaging device having an amplification device for each cell has been proposed. In this device, a photodiode is provided in each cell, and the charge detected there is amplified by a transistor having a MOS structure. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a conventional configuration of an imaging device.
FIG. 18 shows, as an example, a 4 × 3 matrix that performs photoelectric conversion, accumulation, and amplification of incident light. here,
The photodiode 70 is an element that photoelectrically converts and accumulates incident light, and the cell amplifier 71 performs reset of the photocharge generated by the photodiode 70, voltage conversion of the photocharge, and reading of a signal voltage from a specific cell having a matrix configuration. Do it. The cells on the matrix are specified by the vertical drive unit 72
, To a horizontal address line 75, and a column selection signal supplied from a horizontal drive unit 73 to a horizontal output selection transistor 77.

As shown in FIG. 20, a cell amplifier 71 includes a selection transistor 81 and a photo charge reset transistor 8.
0, and an amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode and amplifying the detection signal.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart for operating the image pickup apparatus constructed as shown in FIGS. First, when the horizontal address line 75 is set to a high level as in SG75 (1) of FIG. 19, the vertical selection transistor 81 of this line is turned on. At this time, a voltage corresponding to the photocharge of the gate of the amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode 70 is applied to the readout line 74 at the vertical signal line 74.
Appears in Next, the horizontal selection signal S from the horizontal drive unit 73 is output.
G77 (1) is applied to the horizontal output selection transistor to output a signal to the signal output line 78. Similarly, SG77
(2) A voltage signal synchronized with the signal of SG77 (3)-is sequentially extracted from the horizontal signal line 78 for one horizontal line.
A reset signal SG76 for setting the reset line 76 to a high level after reading of a signal for one line is completed.
(1) is applied to turn on the reset transistor 80 on this line to reset the photocharge.

[0005] By continuing the above operation sequentially for each row, all signals of the matrix can be read.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of an imaging system using the above-described imaging device 33. Here, reference numeral 4 denotes a power supply such as a battery that supplies power to the imaging apparatus. And 1
Is a lens. The image sensor 33 converts the optical signal formed by the lens 1 into an electric signal as described above.
Reference numeral 5 denotes an AGG amplifier that automatically amplifies the electric signal to an appropriate value, and reference numeral 6 denotes an A / D converter that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. Reference numeral 7 denotes a signal processing unit that performs processing of an image signal and conversion to an appropriate format. Reference numeral 39 denotes a CPU that controls the image sensor.
Reference numeral 38 denotes a TG that generates operation timing of each functional block according to a control signal from the CPU 39.

A method is known in which the light quantity is quantitatively determined by the accumulation time of the photocharge and the average value of the output signal.

[0008]

However, in the above-described conventional imaging apparatus, resetting and reading are performed simultaneously for each row. For this reason, it is not possible to shift the timing of resetting or the timing of reading between a plurality of pixels existing in the same row, and the conventional imaging apparatus is restricted in various aspects.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes a photoelectric conversion means, a reset means for resetting the photoelectric conversion means, and a signal from the photoelectric conversion means. An image pickup apparatus having a plurality of pixels including readout means for reading out, comprising: a resetting means provided for each pixel and / or a control means for independently controlling the reading means.

[0010] Further, the image pickup apparatus described above, detection means for detecting a remaining amount of power supplied to the image pickup apparatus, and control means in the image pickup apparatus based on information detected by the detection means. An imaging system having processing means is provided.

[0011] Further, the image pickup apparatus described above, an exposure amount detecting means for detecting an exposure amount of each of the plurality of pixels in the image pickup apparatus, and the information based on the information detected by the exposure amount detecting means. Provided is an imaging system having a processing unit for controlling a control unit in the imaging apparatus.

[0012] Further, the image pickup apparatus described above, a motion detecting means for detecting a motion of a subject in an image pickup area, and a process for controlling a control means in the image pickup apparatus based on information detected by the motion detecting means. And an imaging system comprising:

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of an imaging device showing an embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a 4 × 3 matrix as an example. Here, the photodiode 70 is an element that photoelectrically converts and accumulates incident light, and the cell amplifier 71 resets the photoelectric charge generated by the photodiode 70, converts the voltage of the photoelectric charge, and outputs a signal from a specific cell in a matrix configuration. Perform voltage reading. The cells on the matrix are specified by a row selection signal supplied from the vertical driver 72 to the horizontal address line 75 and a column selection signal supplied from the horizontal driver 73 to the horizontal output selection transistor 77.

The cell amplifier 71 includes a selection transistor 81 and a photo charge reset transistor 8 as shown in FIG.
0, and an amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode and amplifying the detection signal. Here, one pixel is formed by the photodiode 70 and the cell amplifier 71. In the present embodiment, the signal lines 76 for resetting the photocharge are 76 (1-1) and 76 (1-2).
And 76 (1-3).

FIG. 2 is an example of a timing chart for operating the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG. First,
A reset signal SG76 (1-1) for setting the reset transistor reset line 76 (1-1) to a high level is applied, and the photocharge reset transistor 80 is turned on to reset the photocharge. Next, the horizontal address line 75 is
, The selection transistor 81 of this line is turned on. At this time, a voltage corresponding to the photocharge of the gate of the amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode 70 appears on the read line 74. Next, the horizontal selection signal SG is output from the horizontal drive unit 73.
77 (1) is applied to the horizontal output selection transistor to output a signal to the signal output line 78. After the reading of the signal for one pixel is completed, the reset signal SG for setting the reset transistor reset line 76 (1-1) to high level
76 (1-2) to reset the photocharge of the next pixel.
The transistor 80 is turned on to reset the photoelectric charge. Similarly, the above operation is sequentially repeated, and signals for one horizontal line are sequentially extracted from the horizontal signal line 78. Further, by continuing the above operation sequentially for each row, all signals of the matrix can be read.

By performing the timing adjustment of the horizontal address line 75 and the reset line 76 (1-X) in the operation as shown in FIG. 2 above, a plurality of images having different photographing times in one imaging are obtained. It becomes possible.

FIG. 3 is another example of a timing chart for operating the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG. First, a reset signal SG76 (1-1) for setting the reset transistor line 76 (1-1) to a high level is applied, and the photocharge reset transistor 80 is turned on to reset the photocharge. Next, the reset transistor line 76
Reset signal SG76 for setting (1-2) to high level
(1-2) is applied, and the photoelectric charge reset transistor 80
Is turned on to reset the photocharge. In this manner, the reset is performed sequentially, and after all the resets in one row are completed, the reset signal SG75 (1) for setting the horizontal address line 75 (1) to the high level is applied, and the photodiodes of one horizontal line for each photodiode are applied. Read the signal. Then, horizontal selection signals SG (1), SG (2),.
And sequentially applied to the horizontal output selection transistor and sequentially output to the signal output line 78. This operation is repeated for all horizontal lines, and all signals of the matrix are read.

Since the start of the accumulation time is after the reset has been performed, signals having different exposure times are read from one screen by performing an operation in which the start time of the reset for each pixel is shifted as shown in FIG. It becomes possible.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, a 4 × 3 matrix that performs photoelectric conversion, accumulation, and amplification of incident light. Here, the photodiode 70 is an element that photoelectrically converts and accumulates incident light.
Reference numeral 1 performs reset of the photocharge generated in the photodiode 70, voltage conversion of the photocharge, and reading of a signal voltage from a specific cell having a matrix configuration. The cells on the matrix are specified by the vertical drive unit 72 and the horizontal address lines 75
, And a column selection signal supplied from the horizontal drive unit 73 to the horizontal output selection transistor 77.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cell amplifier 71 includes a selection transistor 81, a photo charge reset transistor 80,
And an amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode and amplifying the detection signal. here,
One pixel is formed by the photodiode 70 and the cell amplifier 71. However, in the present embodiment, a plurality of signal lines 75 for performing a horizontal address are provided like 75 (1-1), 75 (1-2) and 75 (1-3).

FIG. 5 is an example of a timing chart for operating the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG. First,
When the horizontal address line 75 is set to a high level like SG75 (1-1) in FIG. 5, the selection transistor 81 on this line is turned on. At this time, a voltage corresponding to the photocharge of the gate of the amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode 70 appears on the read line 74. Next, the horizontal driver 73 applies the horizontal selection signal SG77 (1) to the horizontal output selection transistor and outputs a signal to the signal output line 78. After reading out the signal for one pixel, SG
After turning off 75 (1-1), SG75 (1-2) is set to high level. Next, the horizontal driver 73 applies the horizontal selection signal SG77 (2) to the horizontal output selection transistor and outputs a signal to the signal output line 78. Similarly, the above operation is sequentially repeated, and signals for one horizontal line are sequentially extracted from the horizontal signal line 78. After reading of the signal for one line is completed, a reset signal SG76 (1) for setting the reset line 76 to a high level is applied, and the reset transistor 80 of this line is turned on to reset the photocharge. Further, by continuing the above operation sequentially for each row, all signals of the matrix can be read.

Since the end of the accumulation time is the time when reading is started, by performing an operation in which the reading start time for each pixel is made different as shown in FIG. 4, signals of different exposure times are output from one screen. It becomes possible to read.

Further, for example, an SG 75 (1-1) is applied to the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG.
By performing an operation that does not apply 2), it is possible to read out a signal from an arbitrary pixel in one screen.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a view of an image pickup apparatus showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a 4 × 3 matrix as an example. Here, the photodiode 70 is an element that photoelectrically converts and accumulates incident light, and the cell amplifier 71 resets the photoelectric charge generated by the photodiode 70, converts the voltage of the photoelectric charge, and outputs a signal from a specific cell in a matrix configuration. Perform voltage reading. The cells on the matrix are specified by a row selection signal supplied from the vertical driver 72 to the horizontal address line 75 and a column selection signal supplied from the horizontal driver 73 to the horizontal output selection transistor 77.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cell amplifier 71
Is a transfer MOS transistor serving as a transfer gate for operating a potential barrier for transferring the charge accumulated in the PD 70 to a floating diffusion (hereinafter abbreviated as FD) in which the gate of the amplification MOS transistor 82 has a floating structure. It is. Reference numeral 80 denotes a reset transistor for resetting the charge of the FD 70 by the same operation. And 81 is provided as a MOS transistor for line selection. The gates of these MOS transistors are connected to a transfer signal line 86 for transferring the charge of the PD 70 and a reset signal line 7 for resetting the FD, respectively.
6 and the selection signal line 75.

Here, one pixel is formed by the photodiode 70 and the cell amplifier 71. However, in the present embodiment, the signal line 76 for resetting the photoelectric charge is connected to the signal line 76 (1-
A plurality is provided as in 1), 76 (1-2) and 76 (1-3).

FIG. 8 is an example of a timing chart for operating the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG. First,
The reset signal SG76 (1-1) and the transfer signal SG86 (1-1) for setting the reset transistor reset line 76 (1-1) and the transfer signal line 86 (1-1) to high level
To turn on the photo charge reset transistor 80 and the transfer transistor 83 to reset the photo charge. Next, when the transfer signal SG86 (1-1) and the horizontal address line 75 are set to high level as in SG75 (1) in FIG. 2,
The selection transistor 81 on this line turns on. At this time, a voltage corresponding to the photocharge of the gate voltage of the amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode 70 appears on the read line 74. Next, the horizontal driver 73 applies the horizontal selection signal SG77 (1) to the horizontal output selection transistor and outputs a signal to the signal output line 78. After reading of the signal for one pixel is completed, a reset signal SG76 (1-2) for setting the reset transistor reset line 76 (1-2) and the transfer signal line 86 (1-2) to a high level,
The transfer signal SG86 (1-2) is applied, and the photocharge reset transistor 80 and the transfer transistor 83 of the next pixel are applied.
Is turned on to reset the photocharge. Similarly, the above operation is sequentially repeated, and signals for one horizontal line are transferred to the horizontal signal line 78.
Sequentially. Further, by continuing the above operation sequentially for each row, all signals of the matrix can be read.

By performing the timing adjustment of the horizontal address line 75, the transfer signal SG86 (1-X), and the reset line 76 (1-X) in the operation as shown in FIG. It is possible to obtain a plurality of images having different times.

FIG. 9 is another example of a timing chart for operating the imaging apparatus configured as shown in FIG. First, the reset transistor line 76 (1-1),
Reset signal SG76 (1-1) for setting transfer signal line 86 (1-1) to high level, transfer signal SG86 (1-1)
To turn on the photocharge reset transistor 80 and the transfer transistor 83 to reset the photocharge. next,
Reset transistor line 76 (1-2), transfer signal SG
86 (1-2) to high level
6 (1-2), a transfer signal SG86 (1-2) is applied,
Photo charge reset transistor 80, transfer transistor 8
3 is turned on to reset the photocharge. In this way, the reset is performed sequentially, and after the reset of all the one horizontal line is completed, the transfer signals 86 (1-1), 86 (1-2), 86
(1-3), and signals SG86 (1-1) and SG86 (1-
2), SG86 (1-3) and SG75 (1) are applied, and the signal of each photodiode of one horizontal line is read. .. Are sequentially applied to the horizontal output selection transistors from the horizontal drive section 73 and are sequentially output to the signal output line 78. This operation is repeated for all horizontal lines, and all signals of the matrix are read.

Since the start of the accumulation time is after the reset has been performed, signals having different exposure times are read from one screen by performing an operation in which the start time of the reset for each pixel is shifted as shown in FIG. It becomes possible.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure showing an embodiment. In the figure, as an example, a 4 × 3 matrix for performing photoelectric conversion, accumulation, and amplification of incident light is shown. Here, the photodiode 70 is an element that photoelectrically converts and accumulates incident light, and the cell amplifier 71 resets the photoelectric charge generated by the photodiode 70, converts the voltage of the photoelectric charge, and outputs a signal from a specific cell in a matrix configuration. Perform voltage reading. The cells on the matrix are specified by a row selection signal supplied from the vertical driver 72 to the horizontal address line 75 and a column selection signal supplied from the horizontal driver 73 to the horizontal output selection transistor 77.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cell amplifier 71
Is a transfer MOS transistor serving as a transfer gate for operating a potential barrier for transferring the charge accumulated in the PD 70 to a floating diffusion (hereinafter abbreviated as FD) in which the gate of the amplification MOS transistor 82 has a floating structure. It is. Reference numeral 80 denotes a reset transistor for resetting the charge of the FD 70 by the same operation. And 81 is provided as a MOS transistor for line selection. The gates of these MOS transistors are connected to a transfer signal line 86 for transferring the charge of the PD 70 and a reset signal line 7 for resetting the FD, respectively.
6 and the selection signal line 75.

Here, one pixel is formed by the photodiode 70 and the cell amplifier 71. However, in this embodiment,
The signal line 75 for performing the horizontal address is 75 (1-1),
A plurality is provided like 75 (1-2) and 75 (1-3).

FIG. 11 is an example of a timing chart for operating the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG. First, the horizontal address line 75 and the transfer signal line 86 are connected to S in FIG.
When a high level is set as in G75 (1-1) and SG86 (1), the selection transistor 81 and the transfer transistor 83 are turned on. At this time, a voltage corresponding to the photocharge of the gate voltage of the amplification transistor 82 connected to the photodiode 70 appears on the read line 74. Next, the horizontal driver 73 applies the horizontal selection signal SG77 (1) to the horizontal output selection transistor and outputs a signal to the signal output line 78. After reading out the signal for one pixel, S
After turning off the G75 (1-1), the SG75 (1-
2), SG86 (1-2) is set to high level. Next, the horizontal driver 73 applies the horizontal selection signal SG77 (2) to the horizontal output selection transistor and outputs a signal to the signal output line 78. Similarly, the above operation is sequentially repeated, and signals for one horizontal line are sequentially extracted from the horizontal signal line 78.
The reset signal SG76 (1), the transfer signal SG86 (1-1), and the reset signal SG86, which set the reset line 76 and the transfer signal line 86 to high level after reading of the signal for one line is completed.
G86 (1-2) and SG86 (1-3) are applied to turn on the reset transistor 80 and transfer transistor 83 on this line to reset the photocharge. Further, by continuing the above operation sequentially for each row, all signals of the matrix can be read.

Since the end of the accumulation time is after the start of the readout, by performing the operation in which the readout start time for each pixel is made different as shown in FIG. 10, signals of different exposure times are output from one screen. It becomes possible to read.

In the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG. 10, for example, SG75 (1-1) and SG86 (1-1) are applied, and SG75 (1-2) and SG86 (1-2) are not applied. By performing such an operation, it is possible to read out a signal from an arbitrary pixel in one screen.

In the third or fourth embodiment, one horizontal line is used as a common transfer signal line, and the transfer transistors 83 in one horizontal line are individually and independently controlled by an ID selection signal or an ID time series signal. It may be.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 in one horizontal line are individually controlled by a plurality of reset signal lines and horizontal address lines, respectively. A common reset signal line and a selection signal line are used, respectively, and an identification selection signal by ID or a time-series signal by ID
The reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 in the horizontal line may be controlled individually and independently.

Further, in the imaging device used in the first or second embodiment and the imaging device used in the third or fourth embodiment, any one of the reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 is used.
Is independently controlled for each pixel, but the reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 are provided in one imaging device.
A plurality of reset signal lines and horizontal address lines for controlling one horizontal line of the reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 may be provided so that both can be independently controlled for each pixel. Further, the reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 in one horizontal line may be individually and individually controlled by an identification selection signal by ID or a time-series signal by ID.

As described above, by controlling both the reset transistor 80 and the selection transistor 81 for each pixel, it is possible to more accurately change, for example, the exposure amount for each pixel.

Further, the pixels in the image pickup apparatus of the first to fourth embodiments are not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 20, but means for resetting the photodiode and reading the signal of the photodiode. Any pixel having the means described above may be used.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the reset transistor corresponds to the reset unit, the selection transistor corresponds to the read unit, and the vertical drive unit corresponds to the control unit.

(Embodiment 5) In this embodiment, an image pickup apparatus using the image pickup apparatus described in Embodiments 1 to 4 for the purpose of reducing power consumption will be described.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration of an imaging system using the imaging device 53 used in the first, second, third, or fourth embodiment. Here, reference numeral 4 denotes a power supply such as a battery that supplies power to the imaging system. 1 is a lens. As described above, the imaging device 33 converts the optical signal formed by the lens into an electric signal. Reference numeral 5 denotes an AGC amplifier that automatically amplifies an electric signal to an appropriate value, and reference numeral 6 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. Reference numeral 7 denotes a signal processing unit that performs processing of an image signal and conversion to an appropriate format. 59 is a CPU for controlling the imaging system, and 58 is a CPU
A TG (timing generator) for generating operation timing of each functional block in accordance with a control signal from 39. In this embodiment, in response to the power saving mode signal, the vertical readout programmable timing control unit 21, the horizontal readout programmable timing control unit 20, and the reset programmable control unit 23 in 58 shown in FIG. Set to. As a result, when the remaining power is small, the cell amplifier 71 is preferably used.
Power consumption by reducing the number of times of operation. That is, the exposure interval is set long, and the operating frequency of each MOS is reduced. This is because the power consumption increases in proportion to the number of CV ² fx.

FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a remaining power detection device as an example for detecting the remaining power. Here, reference numerals 101 and 102 denote resistors which receive a current from a power supply signal line SIG101 of the image sensor and generate a voltage. In the power saving mode SIG100, the comparator 103 compares the voltage with the voltage 102 as a reference. For such detection, a method using A / D conversion and the like are known, and the method is not particularly limited. As for the programmable timing generation, the vertical read programmable timing control section 21 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 111 is a reference clock, and 1
09 and 110 measure the reference clock 111 in response to the setting from the CPU 59. Then, a desired signal is output from the horizontal address timing section 107 to the horizontal address line 75. Although not shown, the reset programmable control unit and the 23 horizontal readout programmable timing control unit 20 have the same configuration. In the fifth embodiment, the remaining power detection device includes a CPU and a TG
Corresponds to the processing means.

(Embodiment 6) In this embodiment, an imaging system will be described in which the imaging device used in the above-described Embodiment 1, 2, or 3, or 4 is used for controlling the exposure amount for each pixel.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration of an image pickup system using the image pickup device 53 used in the above-mentioned 1, 2 or 3, 4. Here, 1 is a lens, 54 is an exposure detector that detects the exposure of each pixel from a signal from the imaging device, and 59 is such that the exposure time of each pixel is controlled based on information from the exposure detector. ,
This is a CPU that sends a control signal to the TG 58 for generating operation timing. By adopting such a system configuration, pixels in a portion with a large amount of exposure (a light in a bright portion is received)
Then, by controlling the exposure time to be shorter and the exposure time to be longer for the pixels in the higher exposure amount (the light in the darker part is received), the subject has both brighter and darker parts. This is effective when a clear image of a part is desired. In the sixth embodiment, the exposure detector corresponds to the exposure detector, and the CPU and TG correspond to the processor.

(Embodiment 7) In this embodiment, an imaging system in which the imaging device used in the first, second, third, or fourth embodiment is used for readout control for each pixel will be described.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of an image pickup system using the image pickup device 53 used in the above 1, 2 or 3, 4. Here, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens, and 55 denotes a motion detecting unit which receives a signal one frame before and a signal after one frame from the imaging device 53 and detects which part is changing (moving). Reference numeral 59 denotes a CPU which sends a control signal to the TG 58 for generating an operation timing so as to read out a signal of a pixel in a portion where movement has occurred based on information from the motion detection unit. With such a system configuration, when transmitting a moving image, it is possible to transmit only a portion where a motion has occurred, which reduces the amount of transmission information and also reduces power consumption. In the seventh embodiment, the motion detector corresponds to the motion detector, and the CPU and TG correspond to the processor.

[0051]

As described above, the imaging apparatus of the present invention can be used for various applications.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an imaging device described in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart for driving the imaging apparatus described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for driving the imaging apparatus described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the imaging device described in the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for driving the imaging apparatus described in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the imaging device described in the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cell amplifier.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for driving the imaging device described in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for driving the imaging apparatus described in the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the imaging device described in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart for driving the imaging apparatus described in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the imaging system described in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a TG in the imaging system.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a power remaining amount detection unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a TG in the imaging system.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of the imaging system described in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of the imaging system described in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a conventional imaging device.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart for driving a conventional imaging device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cell amplifier.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a conventional imaging system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 lens 4 power supply 5 AGC 6 A / D 7 video signal processing unit 8 frame memory 20 horizontal readout programmable timing control unit 21 vertical programmable timing control unit 22 reset programmable timing control unit 24 A / D conversion timing control unit 33 imaging device 38 TG 39 CPU 40 horizontal read timing control unit 41 vertical timing control unit 43 reset / timing control unit 44 A / D conversion timing control unit 54 exposure amount detection unit 55 motion detection unit 58 TG 59 CPU 70 photoelectric conversion element 71 Cell amplifier 72 Vertical drive unit 73 Horizontal drive unit 74 Readout signal line 75 Horizontal address line 76 Reset line 77 Horizontal output selection device 78 Signal output line 80 Reset transistor 81 Selection transistor 82 Readout Transistor 83 transfer transistor 86 transfer signal line 101 resistor 102 resistor 103 comparator 107 horizontal address / timing control signal 108 reset / timing control unit 109 programmable division period 110 programmable division period 111 basic clock SG75 horizontal address signal SG76 reset signal SG77 horizontal read selection Signal SG101 Power signal line SG102 Power detection reference voltage signal

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus having a plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion unit, a reset unit for resetting the photoelectric conversion unit, and a reading unit for reading a signal from the photoelectric conversion unit, wherein the imaging device is provided for each of the pixels. An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that independently controls a reset unit and / or a read unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selectively outputs a control signal to each of a reset unit and / or a read unit provided for each of the pixels. 3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is connected to a signal line to each of a reset unit and / or a read unit provided for each of the pixels, and outputs a control signal to an arbitrary signal line. And 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the control signal has identification information for selecting one of reset means and / or read means provided for each pixel. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, a detection unit configured to detect a remaining amount of power supplied to the imaging apparatus, and information detected by the detection unit. A processing unit for controlling a control unit in the imaging apparatus based on the processing unit. 6. An image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, an exposure amount detecting unit for detecting an exposure amount of each of the plurality of pixels in the image pickup apparatus, and the exposure amount. A processing unit for controlling a control unit in the imaging device based on the information detected by the detection unit. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said processing means controls to shorten the exposure time of a pixel having a large exposure amount and to increase the exposure time of a pixel having a small exposure amount. 8. An image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, a motion detection unit for detecting a motion of a subject in an image pickup area, and information based on information detected by the motion detection unit. An imaging system comprising: a processing unit that controls a control unit in the imaging device. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said processing means controls to read out a signal of a pixel in which a motion is detected.